We have an opportunity to think afresh about how we provide services for children and young people. In particular, how can the state transform its current role as an agency predominantly geared to picking up the pieces of damaged young lives, something it often does inadequately and almost always expensively? How can it be more proactive and concentrate more on securing positive foundations for our youngsters?

First, there must be a far more nuanced recognition of children's rights. Current requirements to ask young people's opinions of the services they use amount to little more than lip service. To speak of "childism" is to court derision, and conjure a nightmarish totem of the bolshy teen threatening to call ChildLine when his parent or teacher scolds him. But the UN convention on the rights of the child explicitly calls for participation, as well as protection and provision. If we are genuinely concerned about engaging young people, particularly those that are vulnerable or at risk, we must listen to them properly.

Second, we must reassess how services intervene. At present, involvement with social services brands children, as well as parents, as failures. Of course, this sector exists to make the toughest of choices. But a distinction must be made between the known benefits of early intervention, and the nannying nonsense of later ones – such as parenting contracts – that have proliferated over the past decade.

Third, we must look at how public services help disadvantaged youngsters make the transition to adulthood. At 16, a teenager with mental health problems is dumped in an adult unit, or a care leaver is stranded without support in a council flat. One of the most vulnerable groups in society, particularly affected by the recession, are young people in their late teens and early 20s who do not enjoy the privilege of extended parental and educational support.

Finally, there's recruitment. While children's services are still seen as punitive, and constantly harangued by the media, the best workers will inevitably drift towards the voluntary sector. It's a trend that may appeal to Conservatives, who remain determined the third sector has the tools to mend Broken Britain, but the truth is that those people have most traction working within the state.

In conclusion, we must put the voice of children and young people first, save money on unnecessary interventions, and invest properly in social workers.

Libby Brooks is deputy comment editor of the Guardian

• Are you a worker in this sector, or have you recently used its services? Please let us know your stories and views by posting a comment below. A selection will be published in a second supplement next week